Summary
Secretlab’s new Ergonomic Recliner Add-on is billed as being able to turn “everyday sitting into an in-flight, first-class experience for all Secretlab users”. Having never been flush enough to drop that much cash on a first-class flight, I don’t have any experience to compare it to. However, growing up in the ‘90s and watching far more Friends than I probably should have, I always loved the idea of having a recliner just like Joey and Chandler. Finally, my time has come.
The Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner is compatible with all Secretlab TITAN Evo and Secretlab Classics Series chairs, transforming your regular gaming chair into a reclinable comfort machine with easy setup and the sort of heft that oozes quality.
Set Up Complete In Mere Minutes
When a hefty large box arrived at my door, I doubted if I was capable of fitting the add-on onto my chair. I envisioned having to separate my Secretlab chair from its base to somehow get the recliner fitted, but thankfully, I was wrong.
It takes only a few minutes to add the recliner attachment, and that was using the easy-to-follow written instructions included in the box. There is also a handy video guide by Secretlab for those who prefer to be talked through the process, but I promise you, it’s far easier than expected. You’ll be reclining in no time.
Sitting Pretty The Way You Want
Initially, I overlooked how much I could use the Ergonomic Recliner Add-on. I was too focused on the idea of reclining backwards while lifting my legs, an impossible position to get work done while at my desk, but I was being daft. You don’t need to tilt back while lifting your legs.
However, Secretlab offers three recommended settings to make the most of the reclining add-on. Each of these sets the recliner footrest at a different angle in conjunction with your chair’s existing recline and tilt to make for a versatile seat that can adapt to your gaming needs. The first of these settings is Focus, which, despite my initial scepticism, is great for day-to-day use. You’re still sitting upright to work like normal, but your legs have some elevation for extra comfort.
I was surprised just how much I preferred sitting this way, and I found I was less restless with repositioning my legs as frequently as a result. This has become my new norm for day-to-day work and I can’t imagine having to go back to not having the recliner. It’s the little luxuries that make a difference.
The Unwind setup tilts the chair backwards a little, for a more comfortable, relaxed experience. This was my go-to for console gaming and watching TV; essentially anytime I didn’t need to be upright enough to use a keyboard properly. Your chair is tilted back enough to be relaxing, but not so much that you’re facing the ceiling, and with your legs propped up more you’re in perfect position for a long gaming session or catching up with your favourite series.
I doubt my boss would ever think it’s okay for me to tilt my chair back, pop my recliner add-on out and take a power nap during the day. However, I liked going all out with the recliner and tilt functions for handheld gaming in what SecretLab describes as Recharge mode. I spent hours laid back and playing my Nintendo Switch in this way, and while my arms became a little achy holding my Switch above me, at least the rest of me was comfortable.
I doubt I’d keep gaming this way once the novelty wears off, but lying back on the memory foam cushion is a great option if you ever want to lay back and listen to a podcast, or take that nap that Secretlab recommends. Just don’t tell your boss…
Availability And Verdict
You can get your hands—or rather legs— on the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner Add-on in early 2025. However, for you eager beavers, the Founder’s Edition, which offers an additional layer of cooling gel, a quilted pattern, and an exclusive Founder’s Edition metal plated tag, will be available as a limited first drop from todayvia the official website.
The standard Recliner Add-on will be $199/£159, while the Founder’s Edition will be $249/£199. The price of the standard is exactly where I thought it would be, but I’m not convinced the layer of cooling gel and other little niceties are worth the $50 extra for the Founder’s Edition. Though that extra cash does mean you don’t have to wait until 2025.
Secretlab products aren’t cheap but always deliver on quality. This is certainly a luxury more than a necessity, though one I’d loathe to part with now I’ve become accustomed to it. Considering that many of us spend most of our time sitting in our chairs for work and hobbies, if you can afford an expensive add-on that makes that time just that extra bit more comfortable, it’s probably worth it.
